Best Supplements for Gut Health: 7 Best Probiotics And Supplements For A Healthy Digestive Tract
Maintaining a healthy gut is a crucial part of taking care of your overall health and well-being. An unhealthy gut can not only lead to a number of uncomfortable and potentially embarrassing symptoms but is also a risk factor for many other potentially severe conditions. However, improving your gut health can be easy and will allow you to feel and live better, from the moment you wake up to the moment you sleep.
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Ritual
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YourBiology
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Naguna Labs
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Whilst having a healthy diet can help your gut, part of the reason that it is so easy to treat an unhealthy gut is that there are some amazing digestive health supplements available now.
But as more and more people are realizing the importance of a healthy gut, the market has become flooded with plenty of ineffective probiotic supplements too. That’s why we’ve done the research and found the best gut health supplements, so you can be confident that you’re doing all you can to have a healthy gut.
7 Best Supplements for Gut Health — Summary
- Overall Best Supplements for Gut Health: Ritual Gut Health Synbiotic+
- Ideal for Women: YourBiology Gut+
- Great Value: Naguna Labs Probiotic 40
- Most Eco-Friendly: Future Kind + Vegan Probiotics Digestive Supplement
- Optimal for Immune and Cardiovascular Health: Clear Probiotics Clear Gut & Immunity
- Ideal for Men: Biotics 8
- Enzyme-Focused Choice: Pure Essence Candex
When looking for the best probiotic supplements and products to boost your digestive system, we focused on a few things. We wanted to look at how many capsules you get in each bottle, as well as the amount of healthy bacteria each serving provides. The best supplements for gut health will work to boost the amount of beneficial gut bacteria you have in your system for optimal health benefits.
Best Supplements for Gut Health — Reviewed
1. Overall Best Supplements for Gut Health: Ritual Gut Health Synbiotic+
Pros
- Contains prebiotics, probiotics, and a postbiotic
- Uses the most well-studied strains of healthy bacteria
- Evidence-based product with verified benefits
- Flexible subscription option keeps you on track and in control
Cons
- Lower CFUs than other products
About Ritual Gut Health Synbiotic+
Ritual’s Gut Health Synbiotic+ supplement doesn’t just contain probiotic bacteria, it also contains prebiotic and postbiotic compounds — specifically, 15mg of the PreforPro prebiotic blend and 300mg of the postbiotic tributyrin. These exact dosages have been clinically studied and proven to be safe and effective.
The PreforPro prebiotic clears some of the “bad” bacteria from your gut, giving the healthy bacteria included in the capsules the space they need to thrive. The tributyrin provides additional gut health benefits, including improving your metabolism and ability to absorb nutrients, regulating your appetite, and assisting further in balancing your gut bacteria. The probiotic blend used only includes two different strains of bacteria, but they’re some of the most clinically studied strains.
As for the complete product, multiple trials have been carried out in conjunction with expert researchers. The first shows that this probiotic supplement significantly increases microbial diversity and promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, and the second confirms that the majority of the probiotic bacteria survive the passage through the stomach and small intestine, meaning they’re still alive when they reach the colon.
In terms of probiotic numbers, Gut Health Synbiotic+ may appear less potent than other probiotic supplements, with only 11 billion CFUs. However, given that the probiotic strains included are so well researched and effective, and that their benefit will be amplified by the prebiotic and postbiotic, it’s more than strong enough to give you the digestive health and other benefits you need.
Specs
- Size: 30 capsules/bottle
- CFUs: 11 billion/serving
- Number of live action strains: 2
- Money-back guarantee: 30 days
2. Ideal for Women: YourBiology Gut+
Pros
- Developed by top nutritionists
- Patented technology protects bacteria from stomach acid
- Prebiotic fiber supports beneficial bacteria
Cons
- Not optimal for men
About YourBiology Gut+
The Gut+ digestive health supplements from YourBiology were developed in collaboration with top scientists and nutritionists. So, you know they’re serious about offering a probiotic supplement that can really support your digestive health and overall well-being. Their formula is actually incredibly simple but effective, with every element having a clear purpose.
There are only a few elements included in YourBiology’s gut health supplement:
- Four different strains of beneficial bacteria: Chosen to bring specific benefits and totaling an impressive 40 billion CFUs
- Natural prebiotic fiber: Feeds all these bacteria, making it as easy as possible for them to establish themselves in the gut
- Patented capsule material: Designed to protect the supplement ingredients from stomach acid as it travels through the digestive tract
The YourBiology Gut+ capsules are made from brown seaweed to preserve the probiotic bacteria as they pass through the stomach, ensuring that they make it to the digestive tract and can settle properly in the gut for maximum effectiveness.
YourBiology does note that their probiotic supplement is formulated specifically for women’s overall health and well-being. Whilst there is no indication that men shouldn’t take it, they may prefer to go with a probiotic supplement formulated for their specific needs.
Specs
- Size: 60 capsules/bottle
- CFUs: 40 billion/serving
- Number of live action strains: 4
- Money-back guarantee: 60 days
3. Great Value: Naguna Labs Probiotic 40
Pros
- 60-day money back guarantee
- Includes prebiotic and probiotic blend
- Cost-effective purchasing options
Cons
- No reviews on website
About Naguna Labs Probiotic 40
Naguna Labs’ Probiotic 40 is a no-frills probiotic supplement that provides what you need in a simple and cost-effective way. Unlike many other probiotic supplements, the ingredients are strictly limited to probiotic bacteria, a prebiotic, and the casing of the capsule itself. What is there is certainly impressive though, with four different strains of probiotics giving a very impressive total of 40 billion CFUs per dose, making it one of the most potent products available when measured this way.
Naguna Labs doesn't just put together a good product though. They offer some of the best multipack deals we’ve seen with any dietary supplement. If you combine that with their subscription discount, you end up with a really great deal. You are free to modify or cancel this subscription at any time and with no obligations, so there’s really no reason not to take full advantage if you think this may be the product for you.
Specs
- Size: 60 capsules/bottle
- CFUs: 40 billion/serving
- Number of live action strains: 4
- Money-back guarantee: 60 days
4. Most Eco-Friendly: Future Kind + Vegan Probiotics Digestive Supplement
Pros
- Vegan
- Free from major allergens
- Recyclable packaging with carbon-neutral delivery
- 10 probiotic bacteria strains
Cons
- No additional beneficial ingredients
About Future Kind + Vegan Probiotics Digestive Supplement
This probiotic supplement from Future Kind + is completely vegan, as are all of their other products. That’s not surprising though, since animal welfare and environmental sustainability are founding principles of the company. If you’re concerned about these issues, Future Kind + is definitely the company for you, as their probiotic supplements come in highly-recyclable plastic bottles and all of the carbon emitted during delivery is fully offset. They have also donated a substantial amount to animal sanctuaries.
All of these other concerns don’t mean that they have a weaker product though. On the contrary, their probiotic supplement contains 30 billion CFUs of probiotic bacteria coming from an impressive 10 strains, meaning you’ll still be getting all the probiotic support you need. This number is even more impressive given that a standard dosage is just one capsule, a definite boon for those of you who dislike swallowing pills.
However, unlike many of the other dietary supplements we considered when making this list, this vegan probiotic supplement from Future Kind + doesn’t contain any additional ingredients such as prebiotics, vitamins, or dietary enzymes. This may be a disappointment for some, but with the relatively high number of CFUs and wide range of strains included, this is definitely still one of the best supplements for gut health.
Specs
- Size: 30 capsules/bottle
- CFUs: 30 billion/serving
- Number of live action strains: 10
- Money-back guarantee: 30 days
5. Optimal for Immune and Cardiovascular Health: Clear Probiotics Clear Gut & Immunity
Pros
- Reishi mushroom boosts immune system and supports cardiovascular health
- Slippery elm bark soothes irritated bowels and calms acid reflux
- Delayed-release capsules protects probiotics traveling through the digestive system
Cons
- No prebiotic included
About Clear Probiotics Clear Gut & Immunity
Clear Probiotics’ offering is more than just a gut health supplement. It does contain 20 billion CFUs of probiotic bacteria from two different strains which, whilst lower than other products, is enough to have a significant impact on the balance of the bacteria in your gut. This will both support your digestive system and boost immune health.
Additionally, Clear Probiotics have included reishi mushroom extract and slippery elm bark. The reishi mushroom provides additional support for the immune system and promotes cardiovascular health. Slippery elm bark can soothe irritated bowels and calm acid reflux, meaning that it can provide some welcome relief from unpleasant symptoms. These beneficial ingredients aren’t often found in other dietary supplements. All of this is wrapped up in a delayed-release capsule, intended to make sure that the bacteria pass through your stomach and reach the gut alive.
Specs
- Size: 60 capsules/bottle
- CFUs: 20 billion/serving
- Number of live action strains: 2
- Money-back guarantee: 365 days
6. Ideal for Men: Biotics 8 Men’s High Performance Probiotic Formula
Pros
- 10 different strains of probiotic bacteria
- Contains digestive enzymes, a prebiotic, and vitamin D
- Boosts health and performance across a wide spectrum
Cons
- Not optimal for women
About Biotics 8 Men’s High Performance Probiotic Formula
Biotics 8 aims to be a high-performance dietary supplement for men. It’s primarily focused on boosting probiotics, but it also works to improve all areas of health and performance. They achieve this by using high-quality, evidence-based ingredients.
In terms of probiotic bacteria, Biotics 8 contains a respectable 20 billion CFUs split evenly between 10 different strains. Each strain was specifically selected for everything from improved digestive health and immune system function to reduced anxiety, increased muscle mass, and reduced body fat.
Also included are:
- Digestive enzymes: Boosts digestive health by making it easier for your body to process food
- Chicory root fiber: Strengthens the beneficial probiotic bacteria
- Vitamin D: Improves mood, increases bone density, and raises natural testosterone levels.
Whilst the ingredients in this supplement could no doubt benefit women too, it was designed and optimized with men’s health in mind. Because of this, women may prefer to look to a different probiotic supplement that’s formulated specifically for women’s health, or other probiotic supplements that are formulated to support the digestive, immune, and general health of both men and women.
Specs
- Size: 90 capsules/bottle
- CFUs: 20 billion/serving
- Number of live action strains: 10
- Money-back guarantee: 60 days
7. Enzyme-Focused Choice: Pure Essence Candex
Pros
- Safe and suitable for children and even pets
- Specialized for controlling yeast levels
- Meets standards of science and holistic medicine
Cons
- Not a probiotic
About Pure Essence Candex
Pure Essence’s Candex formula takes a different approach than our other top supplements, focusing on digestive enzymes rather than probiotic bacteria. Each two capsule serving contains a proprietary blend of five high-strength digestive enzymes. These enzymes work to improve the health of your digestive tract and increase beneficial bacteria, all while reducing problematic bacteria that cause health issues.
In particular, Candex is designed with a primary aim of balancing your yeast levels by controlling your levels of pathogenic candida bacteria. This bacteria can cause yeast infections, a host of digestive issues, and mental effects such as depression, irritability, and difficulty focusing.
If these problems are impacting you, Candex may be the ideal solution because it promotes the growth of the good, beneficial bacteria in your gut whilst simultaneously limiting the growth of the candida bacteria.
Although it is formulated to balance your gut bacteria in a way that combines sound scientific research with the principles of holistic medicine, some people may feel more comfortable with probiotic supplements.
Specs
- Size: 40 capsules/bottle, 80 capsules/bottle, 120 capsules/bottle
- CFUs: N/A
- Number of live action strains: N/A
- Money-back guarantee: 90 days
How We Picked The Best Supplements For Gut Health
Our team created this list based on our five-step analysis framework. This framework allows us to remain impartial and to create an unbiased listing of the best and most effective gut health supplements available, so you can be confident in our recommendations:
Consult Expert Opinions
We considered experts’ recommendations, as well as any expert reviews, both in terms of how they relate to individual products and in terms of recommendations for overall digestive health supplement best practices.
Examine Customer Reviews
We wanted to identify trends and overall sentiment, as well as to discover how consistently well the supplements boost healthy gut function.
Analyze Information From Manufacturers
This not only includes what is included in each dosage but also the manufacturing processes used, including any certifications and the traceability of the individual ingredients, as well as the rationale used in the product design and what research has been used to support that.
Verify Manufacturer Claims
We wanted to confirm theoretical product effectiveness using reliable sources. This means checking them against both expert advice and the available academic research to see how they stack up.
Test Products First-Hand
We tried out the products that seem most promising to gain further insight, allowing us first-hand experience of their subjective benefits as well as of any side effects and even the supplier’s ordering process.
What are the Signs of an Unhealthy Gut?
There are many signs of an unhealthy gut, and it’s unlikely that you will experience all of them. Some may seem fairly obvious, such as bloating, heartburn, stomach pain, and constipation or diarrhea, but others are not.
Symptoms of an unhealthy gut can also include:
- Excessive tiredness
- Unexpected changes in weight
- Skin issues
Of course, these issues may have other causes and if you are concerned, it’s highly recommended you discuss them with your doctor.
What Foods Should I Avoid for Good Gut Health?
The most common foods which contribute to issues with gut health are primarily the stereotypically “unhealthy” foods. This includes foods that are high in sugar, refined and highly processed foods, and alcohol. Many may also find that reducing or cutting out dairy can help.
Since everyone is different, the exact foods that can lead to gut health issues will vary from person to person. Other common foods which cause issues in some people include soy, red meat, and foods containing gluten. Plants from the nightshade family, such as potatoes, can also contribute to gut issues, particularly when fried.
What Foods Should I Eat for Good Gut Health?
Eating more foods that are high in fiber such as fruit, vegetables, nuts, and seeds can be a good way to naturally improve your gut health. This is because the fiber in these foods helps to feed the good bacteria in your gut which are needed for your digestive system to stay healthy.
Fermented foods such as kefir, kombucha, kimchi, and sauerkraut can also help to introduce additional good bacteria into the gut, improving gut health.
Does What I Drink Matter for Gut Health?
It’s not just about what you eat — what you drink can also have a significant impact on your gut health. If gut health is your priority or you’ve been having issues, it’s best to steer clear of alcoholic beverages and drinks such as soda which are high in sugar and artificial sweeteners.
There is also research indicating that chlorinated water, such as unfiltered tap water, can have an impact on gut bacteria and therefore on gut health. Water is still one of the healthiest choices, but if you often drink it from the tap you may want to consider filtering it.
What Should I Look for When Buying Supplements for Good Gut Health?
There are a lot of factors to consider when evaluating probiotic supplements. The primary thing to consider is what strains of bacteria and digestive enzymes are included, as well as in what quantities.
You should also consider whether the gut health supplements you’re buying come from a reputable brand, and whether they have consistent and positive reviews.
What Are The Benefits of Gut Health Supplements?
Gut health supplements carry a wide range of benefits, some of which directly relate to your digestive health and others which do not. By taking a probiotic supplement or one with appropriately chosen digestive enzymes, you will be helping to improve the balance of the bacteria in the gut by increasing the number of good bacteria living there. This then assists with healthy digestion, which can reduce and eliminate a number of digestive issues such as:
- Bloating
- Discomfort
- Excess gas
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Irritable bowel syndrome
These dietary supplements and the good bacteria that propagate because of them can also reduce the incidence of yeast infections and support immune health. What’s more, probiotic bacteria have a very positive mental impact, improving both spatial and non-spatial memory whilst also reducing behaviors symptomatic of conditions including anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Can Gut Health Supplements Cause Any Side Effects?
A small number of people will experience some side effects when they begin to take probiotic supplements in order to improve their digestive health. The most common side effects are an upset stomach, diarrhea, and discomfort or bloating in the stomach. Fortunately, these side effects are almost always temporary and will usually clear up completely after a few days of taking probiotic supplements.
In the unlikely event that the side effects continue, or you experience some other form of significant adverse reaction, it is recommended that you discontinue use and talk to a medical professional. They will be able to assess the symptoms and help you figure out how to make probiotics work for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are CFUs?
The number of colony-forming units, or CFUs, is a measure of how many bacterial cells are in a product that can potentially go on to form small colonies in an appropriate environment. In the case of the probiotic gut health supplements recommended here, this means good bacteria which can grow and thrive in your digestive tract.
Perhaps surprisingly, the colonies formed by these microscopic bacteria are actually large enough to be seen with the naked eye.
What are digestive enzymes?
Enzymes are natural proteins that are found in our bodies and make all manner of essential chemical reactions happen. This includes digestive enzymes, which break down the food we eat into the molecules that our bodies can use for energy or to build and repair themselves. Sometimes a shortfall of digestive enzymes can lead to issues with gut health, which is why digestive supplements containing additional digestive enzymes can be effective at treating this.
What is the difference between prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics?
Probiotics are good bacteria that multiply and live in your gut, where they help you break down food as well as providing other benefits. There are many different strains of probiotic bacteria and not all of them have the same impact, but our top products all contain some of the best probiotics for your health. Whilst they are still natural, prebiotics and postbiotics are not living microorganisms.
Prebiotics are molecules that can be found in food and are beneficial for the probiotic bacteria, helping them to thrive so that you can experience the benefits they bring. Some prebiotics now function by helping to clear any bad bacteria from your gut, ensuring that there is plenty of space and food available for the good bacteria, a method that researchers have proven to be both safe and effective.
Postbiotics are beneficial chemicals produced by these good bacteria. Whilst these will be naturally produced by the bacteria in your gut, taking additional postbiotics can have additional benefits. Research is still ongoing into exactly how they bring so many benefits, but they are already being used to control and treat a range of gastrointestinal issues.
Can I take multiple probiotic supplements at the same time?
It is generally not harmful to take more than one type of probiotic supplement at the same time, but it isn’t necessary either. The recommended dosage of any of the tried and tested probiotic supplements included in our list will be more than enough, and it’s unlikely you’ll gain any notable benefits from taking more than one.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking to address a specific issue with your digestive health, or you’re just looking to give your overall health and well-being a boost, the gut health supplements included here are the perfect way to start. They represent the best supplements for gut health and work to aid in healthy digestion as well as improving immune health and bringing notable mental benefits, potentially making a huge impact on how you feel.
They are all of the highest quality and will reliably improve your gut health, and all carry some additional advantages. This means whether you’re looking to address issues such as candida overgrowth, want something that can work for your children and pets too, are strongly concerned about the social and environmental impact of the products you buy, or have any other needs or preferences, one of them is sure to have you covered.
Summary
- Overall Best Supplements for Gut Health: Ritual Gut Health Synbiotic+
- Ideal for Women: YourBiology Gut+
- Great Value: Naguna Labs Probiotic 40
- Most Eco-Friendly: Future Kind + Vegan Probiotics Digestive Supplement
- Optimal for Immune and Cardiovascular Health: Clear Probiotics Clear Gut & Immunity
- Ideal for Men: Biotics 8
- Enzyme-Focused Choice: Pure Essence Candex
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